Perhaps the simplest way to understand what the category of “Decorative Arts” represents, we should first define what they are not: they are not paintings, drawings, photography, and large scale sculpture, items which have no function other than to be seen and are generally termed as “Fine Art”.
In contrast, Decorative Art consists of objects of arts or crafts representing the design and manufacture of beautiful objects that are also functional.
A decorative art appraisal is one of our most frequent assignments because of the prevalence of these items in homes and businesses, such as:
If a visually pleasing item is in a curio cabinet, sitting on a shelf or tabletop, or on the floor pleasantly filling space in a corner or next to a piece of furniture, chances are it falls into the decorative arts category. In the latter 19th century a growing appreciation of the artistic craftsmanship evident in more ornate pieces led to an elevated status of the arts and increase in popularity by the masses. As demand increased laws were enacted to protect unauthorized copying of decorative art – laws that previously only protected works of fine art.
The markings of attribution on decorative art pieces enable our staff of knowledgeable appraisers to identify, perform the necessary market research to determine market demand, and certify the values. If you have a large collection or many assorted pieces we suggest we visit to perform on onsite examination. If you have a single item or just several items, you may want to consider a cost and time saving remote appraisal where you provide a digital image and basic description. Either way, we produce a USPAP compliant certified report that is required by Insurers, Government Agencies, and the Courts.
CONTACT US today to discuss your decorative arts appraisal interest. There is no cost or obligation.
Tiffany favrile glass and gilt bronze Curtain Border floor lamp, 76 inches tall. Replacement Value: $125,000 The first Tiffany lamp was created around 1895. Each lamp was handmade by skilled craftsmen, not mass- or machine-produced. Its designer was not, as had been thought for over......
Steinway grand piano with stool Serial Number 557809H1484 Replacement Value: $57,000 Steinway & Sons was founded on March 5, 1853 by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway in a Manhattan loft on Varick Street. Henry was a master cabinet maker who built his first piano in......
Emile Galle cameo glass Ours Polaire vase the bulbous ovoid vessel with everted rim in aquamarine glass overlaid with frosty white and cut with a scene of three polar bears striding on ice floes with icebergs in the distance, circa 1910 14.5 inches tall Replacement......
Grueby Faience Co. painted and glazed earthenware Fleur de Lis vase modeled by Lillian Newman, impressed GRUEBY FAIENCE Co/BOSTON USA, N within a circle (for Lillian Newman) and with indistinct numbers 15 inches tall Replacement Value: $150,000 This exceptional vase is one of at least......
